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Leicester continues against Southampton and settles

On two flashes of genius from Youri Tielemans, Leicester won this match (2-0) between Southampton at King Power Stadium on behalf of the 19th day of the Premier League. A first decisive pass between two defenders of the Saints which allows James Maddison to score the first goal of the meeting (37th) and a second in the very last moments of the meeting where the Belgian midfielder fixes his vis-à-vis before throwing Harvey Barnes in the depth (95th). The “Man of the Match” could also be called Kasper Schmeichel, who was playing his 400th game under the colors of Leicester, with his three decisive saves in the first 45 minutes of this match (16th, 23rd and 41st). With this success, Leicester take the provisional second place in the standings between Manchester United and Liverpool.

However, it was Southampton who dominated the start of the match. Ralph Hasenhüttl’s players got their foot on the ball (70% possession in the first half hour of the match) and they got themselves many dangerous actions. Che Adams came up against Kasper Schmeichel (16th) for the first time before Johnny Evans saved his team on a deep pass from Théo Walcott (28th). Kasper Schmeichel saved his team two more times (31st and 41st), his last two decisive saves in this match. Southampton did not last long and during the second period, only the strike of Stuart Armstrong (72nd) on the crossbar could have put the two teams equal. But they once again demonstrated all their defensive strength with the many rescues of Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephans in the last quarter of an hour of this match (74th, 82nd and 84th).

For Leicester, a lot of good lessons can be learned from this match. The relationship between midfielders (Albrighton, Tielemans, Ndidi) and forwards (Barnes, Maddison, Vardy) has once again been excellent. Precision in the passes and ease of being in the depth especially during the two goals of the Foxes (37th, 95th). In defense, James Justin has shown he is one of the best full-backs in the Premier League. Good interventions in the air (7th, 12th), acceleration on his left side which destabilized the opposing team (15th, 20th, 62nd) and a quality of center which could have brought a third goal (67th). Very good performance also from Wesley Fofana who annihilated many opposing offensives (6th, 9th, 44th and 47th) before leaving shortly after the hour mark. The only Foxes player who missed his meeting is called Jamie Vardy , awkward when making the last move (13th, 44th, 46th, 62nd and 63rd).

Second, provisionally, in the Premier League, Brendan Rodgers’ team have a busy schedule with the reception of Chelsea and Leeds in a few days and a trip to Everton. To maintain its second place, Leicester must continue its momentum. At the same time, Southampton will play at home against Arsenal and Aston Villa ahead of an away encounter with current league leaders Manchester United.

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